Titans seek crown with loaded cast

MANILA, Philippines – With Mark Barroca and company back in the fold, Oracle Residences hopes to finish off Pharex today and start what could be another dynasty in the Philippine Basketball League.

The Titans, with Barroca and three other members of the RP developmental team still in Japan, trounced the Bidang Generix, 88-70, in Game Three last Saturday to seize a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five series for the PBL PG Flex Unity Cup crown.

But with the spitfirish Barroca, Mac Baracael, Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling back in harness, the Titans loom as the heavy favorites in the 3 p.m. match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Oracle Residences, which took the opener, 79-73, but dropped the next, 72-81, is actually eyeing a seventh straight crown, counting the six its sister team Harbour Centre swept for the Mikee Romero-owned francise.

“We will try to finish them off but we can’t relax against Pharex,” said Oracle coach Glen Capacio.

Fil-Am Chris Timberlake, John Wilson and Rob Labagala, who combined in their Game Three rout, are the other players to watch for Oracle although Capacio expecting the Bidang Generix to come up with necessary adjustments especially in defense and come out strong in offense.

“It’s going to be a battle of adjustments, so we really have to prepare and plot our defensive patterns well. Defense will be the key to our success,” said Capacio.

Pharex mentor Carlo Tan said Barroca and company’s return only makes Oracle a lot tougher but he vowed to go flat out to stun the Titans and force a sudden death.

“Yes, they’re stronger with Barroca and three of their top players back. But we’re not giving up because we know that if we play hard and stick to our plan, we’ll have a chance of forcing the deciding Game Five,” said Tan.

He hopes to draw the best from MVP Chris Ross, Ronnie Matias, Ian Saladaga, Francis Allera and Don Villamin.